Woman arraigned for vehicular manslaughter

A Columbus Township woman accused of causing a head-on collision that killed another driver was charged formally Saturday with a 15-year felony.

A preliminary arraignment was held Saturday morning for Crystal Marie Fistler, 31, who is charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal collision Friday on Division Street in Richmond. The crash claimed the life of 32-year-old Christina Marie Kimmel of Richmond.

Bond was set for Fistler at $35,000 and she was expected to be post bond and released from the Macomb County Jail on Saturday, said Richmond police Chief David Teske. Fistler faces another formal arraignment in Romeo’s 42-1 District Court, a proceeding likely to be held Monday, the sheriff said.

The crash occurred about 7:30 a.m. Friday on Division Street between Howard and Gratiot, police said. Witnesses told police the victim’s vehicle was headed west on Division Street when her car was struck by an eastbound sport utility vehicle. The SUV had crossed the center line of the road and was traveling in the wrong lane when the crash occurred. Police contend Fistler was driving the SUV. Witnesses also told investigators the driver of the SUV was operating the vehicle erratically prior to the collision.

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Teske said police officers found prescription drugs in the SUV, and part of their investigation is focusing on whether the driver of the SUV was under the influence of prescription drugs. “There are signs of that, but until we get the toxicology reports, we won’t know,” he said.

No illegal substances were found in the vehicle, the chief said.

Fistler was injured in the crash and required hospital treatment, but her injuries were not life-threatening, Teske said. She received treatment at a hospital, but was released later Friday into police custody.